Slide1

March 2025 DFW Real Estate Stats

The March 2025 real estate numbers are in, and inventory is on the rise across the DFW Metroplex! Active listings were up significantly compared to last year, with Collin County leading the way at +45.2%. Condo inventory also increased sharply, providing more options for buyers. Days on Market ticked up, giving buyers a bit more breathing room in this competitive market.

Prices per square foot stayed steady across most counties, with slight increases in Collin and Dallas. Average sales prices showed a mix of small declines and gains, while closed condo sales were strong in markets like Collin and Rockwall.

The bottom line: Opportunities are growing for both buyers and sellers this spring. Whether you’re working with new buyers, seasoned investors, or luxury clients, the market is offering more choices than it has in months.

At Republic Title, we’re ready to help you and your clients make the most of this dynamic market with our expert team, dependable service, and closing solutions you can trust.

Our stats infographics include a year over year comparison and area highlights for single family homes broken down by county. We encourage you to share these infographics and video with your sphere.

For more stats information, pdfs and graphics of our stats including detailed information by county, visit the Resources section on our website at DFW Area Real Estate Statistics | Republic Title of Texas.

For the full report from the Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center and for NTREIS Local Market reports click here.

Texas-Housing-Insight-February-2025

Texas Housing Insight February 2025 Summary

All measurements are calculated using seasonally adjusted data, and percentage changes are calculated month-over-month, unless stated otherwise.

The Texas housing market reflected ongoing challenges in February 2025, with weak home sales a reminder of low affordability and cautious buyer behavior amid economic uncertainty. Home sales ranked among the weakest on record for a February since 2019. High mortgage rates continue to weigh on buyer affordability.  

The recent jump in inventory levels are signs of lagging demand struggling to keep pace. February is the 13th consecutive month where inventory is expanding at a rapid pace of 30 percent year over year (YoY), outpacing demand. Inventory has risen to approximately 35 percent above pre-pandemic levels, shifting the market conditions in favor of buyers.  

While inventory growth benefits buyers and gives them more leverage and time to make decisions, the current pace of inventory build-up is putting more downward pressure on overall home prices. Regionally, home prices in Austin continue a trajectory toward a stable bottom and the pace of decline has leveled off in recent months. Houston home prices have steadily trended upward in the past 16 months, neither accelerating nor decelerating. 

Statewide, new construction has declined from the same period last year. Builder sentiment is weakening due to uncertainty surrounding material costs and potential supply-chain challenges brought on by new tariffs policies. Texas continues to lead the nation in new home construction, offering comparatively affordable housing options. 

The latest consumer sentiment and bond yields highlight heightened inflation expectations and concerns of potential economic slowdown from restrictive tariffs policies. The sharp rise and volatility in 30-year mortgage rates will intensify the demand-supply imbalance as more potential buyers may choose to delay their purchase and wait out the uncertainty – not to mention many have stayed on the sidelines waiting for rates to fall.  

Moderate Dip in February Home Sales

February recorded sluggish home sales, reflecting a weaker performance in the housing market and ongoing affordability challenges due to high mortgage rates.  

Sources: Texas Real Estate Research Center and NAR Existing Homes Sales, retrieved from FRED 

  • A total of 23,080 home sales (including new and existing homes) were recorded statewide, making up 9 percent of homes sales nationwide. 
  • Monthly sales declined by 4.5 percent from February 2024 (2024 was a leap year); Year to date, sales were down 2.3 percent.   
  • Texas home sales trends show similarities to national trends: Not adjusted for seasonality, national home sales were down 5.2% YoY in February and 1.6% YoY year-to-date.  
  • The median sales price was $328,000, not much changed from January ($326,000) but was lower than a year ago ($332,700). 
  • January’s monthly sales were revised upward from 1.2 percent to 2.1 percent YoY.

Home Sales at Slowest Pace Since 2016

February 2025 home sales figures rank among the weakest on record for a February since 2019, whether seasonally adjusted or not. Additional indicators, such as days on market (DoM) and inventory turnover (see Figure 1), further point to the slowest pace of home sales observed since 2016. 

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center

In Figure 1: 

  • In February, the active inventory turnover ratio stood at 13.9 percent, or one in seven listed homes sold. This marks a decline from 20 percent (one in five) a year ago. 
  • The average DoM reached 50 days in February, an increase from 44 days in the same period last year. 
  • At the current pace of sales, supply exceeds demand. Before the pandemic, the market was relatively balanced, with an inventory turnover ratio of approximately 20 percent and DoM averaging 30 to 35 days. 

Rising Inventory Outpaces Weak Demand

Over the past 12 months, inventory has improved significantly amid rising new listings, rebounding to near pre-pandemic levels and even exceeding them in recent months. However, when viewed with months’ supply (see Figure 2), the sharp increase in inventory is also indicative of weak demand struggling to keep up with the growing supply. 

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center 

In Figure 2: 

  • At the end of February, active inventory totaled 124,070, up 3.9 percent MoM from January and 28.6 percent YoY from February 2024.  
  • Months’ supply in February stood at 4.4 months, an increase from 3.5 months in the same period last year. 
  • In the relatively balanced market prior to the pandemic, months’ supply was approximately 3.5 months. 

Home Prices Edge Higher at Slower Pace with Mixed Trends

Home prices have softened recently with mixed trends. High inventory has put downward pressure on home prices. Overall, home prices in Texas rose by 0.9 percent YoY, the slowest pace since November 2023.  

Among the major metros, Austin continues to see downward price trends, while home prices in San Antonio have remained relatively stable, showing no clear upward trends. In Houston, home prices have maintained steady upward trends in the past 16 months, neither accelerating nor decelerating, with YoY growth consistently at about 2.5 percent. In recent months, YoY price appreciation in the Fort Worth-Arlington area has slightly exceeded that of the Dallas-Plano-Irving metro division. This can be explained by Fort Worth-Arlington’s relatively more affordable home prices that appeal to buyers seeking more value for their money. 

Sources: Texas Real Estate Research Center

In Figure 3: 

  • In February, the Fort Worth-Arlington metro division recorded the highest YoY price appreciation, with a gain of 2.7 percent. 
  • As of February, Houston has sustained YoY price appreciation exceeding 2 percent for 16 consecutive months. 
  • Austin’s ongoing market corrections continue to drive home prices downward. In February, the YoY price change was -1.4 percent, following a 1.7 percent drop in January. 

Local Housing Market Indicators

February 2025 Homes Sales

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center 

February 2024 Inventory Velocity

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center 

New Construction (Building Permits), Year-to-Date

Note: Texarkana, Victoria, and Eagle Pass have few building permits authorized and are not reported. 
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 

What is FIRPTA

What is FIRPTA?

FIRPTA, or the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, imposes an income tax on foreign individuals or entities selling U.S. real property.

If the foreign seller has unpaid income tax, a lien may be placed on the buyer’s property, making the buyer liable for the unpaid tax.

Foreign individuals or entities selling property should consult a CPA or tax advisor before listing their property to determine if FIRPTA applies to their transaction. The CPA or tax advisor can assist the seller in obtaining necessary documents, such as the Non-Foreign Affidavit or Withholding Certificate, which may be required by the contract. They can also explain the withholding process and potential exemptions.

Republic Title of Texas is not responsible for determining whether the transaction is subject to FIRPTA withholdings.

Below are helpful links from the IRS to learn more about this Act and ways to obtain an Individual Tax Identification Number, apply for a W-7 and fill out the W-7 form:

• irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/FIRPTA-Withholding
• irs.gov/Individuals/ITIN-Guidance- for-Foreign-Property-Buyers-Sellers
• irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf
• irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf

FIRPTA Q&A

Q: Who is responsible for FIRPTA withholding?
A: The buyer is responsible for withholding the potential for income tax under IRS regulations. This withholding is typically 10% or 15% of the purchase price when the property is sold by a Foreign Person. The real property serves as collateral to ensure the IRS receives the taxes due. If the buyer fails to make the payment, the IRS may seize the property or other assets or the buyer.

Q: Can’t the buyer assign the responsibility for withholding to the settlement or escrow agent?
A: No, IRS regulations do not allow the buyer to transfer their withholding responsibility to anyone, including the escrow or real estate agents. Escrow agents are not authorized to offer legal or tax advice.

Q: The seller is foreign, but has a social security number. We’re okay right?
A: Foreign citizens doing business and earning income in the United
These look similar to social security numbers. The test of whether FIRPTA withholding is required or not, is a statement made by the seller under penalty of perjury that they are not a non-resident alien for purposes of U.S. income taxation.

Q: What is a “non-resident alien” for purposes of U.S. income taxation?
A: Another way to explain that (although it may not cover all situations) is that the seller must either be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a green card.

Q: The seller is taking a loss on their home. They don’t need to pay FIRPTA withholding, right?
A: No automatic exemption exists under FIRPTA for sellers taking a loss or realizing no gain. If a foreign seller believes they are exempt because they are not making a profit, they should consult with a tax professional. They may need to apply for a Withholding Certificate from the IRS using Form 8288-B. The seller should apply for this prior to listing the property to avoid delays.

Q: The seller lives in another country, but says they are a U.S. citizen. Isn’t withholding required?
A: U.S. citizens may be living in other countries. Current residency is not a good indication of FIRPTA status.

Q: A foreign seller doesn’t have a TIN and is willing
to pay the IRS. Can the money just be sent to the
IRS without a TIN?
A: No, the IRS requires that sellers of real property have TINs.

Q: A foreign seller only owns a portion of the property. How much money does the foreign seller owe?
A: The foreign seller is responsible for withholding on their share of ownership in the property. They should consult with a tax professional to determine the amount due.

Q: The property is under $300,000 and the buyer
is going to live in it. Doesn’t that automatically exempt it from withholding?
A: If the witholding was overpaid, the seller can apply for a refund through the IRS, but they may need to file specific forms and consult a tax expert.

Q: Isn’t a transaction from a foreign seller to a
foreign buyer exempt from withholding?
A: No. While the individuals are both Foreign Persons, the tax is an income tax unique to the individual.

Q: The FIRPTA withholding was paid at close of escrow, but not that much money was due to the IRS. How does the seller get their money back?
A: The seller can either in advance of closing file an 8288-B Application for Withholding Certificate to request a reduced amount or no withholding.  The seller can also file a tax return the following year to obtain any refund due. A CPA or other tax expert should be consulted for guidance.

Q: The seller and buyer don’t want to pay a CPA to answer their questions. Can’t the real estate person or escrow person help with FIRPTA questions?
A: Escrow personnel and real estate agents may have experience
taxpayer’s situations.

Print Version

 

Earth Day 2016

History of Earth Day

Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a day of education about environmental issues, and Earth Day 2024 occurs on Monday, April 22. The holiday is now a global celebration that’s sometimes extended into Earth Week, a full seven days of events focused on green living. The brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson and inspired by the protests of the 1960s, Earth Day began as a “national teach-in on the environment” and was held on April 22 to maximize the number of students that could be reached on university campuses. By raising public awareness of pollution, Nelson hoped to bring environmental causes into the national spotlight.

Earth Day History

By the early 1960s Americans were becoming aware of the effects of pollution on the environment. Rachel Carson’s 1962 bestseller “Silent Spring” raised the specter of the dangerous effects of pesticides on America’s countrysides. Later in the decade, a 1969 fire on Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River shed light on the problem of chemical waste disposal. Until that time, protecting the planet’s natural resources was not part of the national political agenda, and the number of activists devoted to large-scale issues such as industrial pollution was minimal. Factories pumped pollutants into the air, lakes and rivers with few legal consequences. Big, gas-guzzling cars were considered a sign of prosperity. Only a small portion of the American population was familiar with–let alone practiced–recycling.

Did you know? A highlight of the United Nations’ Earth Day celebration in New York City is the ringing of the Peace Bell, a gift from Japan, at the exact moment of the vernal equinox.

Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1962, Senator Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat from Wisconsin, was determined to convince the federal government that the planet was at risk. In 1969, Nelson, considered one of the leaders of the modern environmental movement, developed the idea for Earth Day after being inspired by the anti-Vietnam War “teach-ins” that were taking place on college campuses around the United States. According to Nelson, he envisioned a large-scale, grassroots environmental demonstration “to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda.”

Nelson announced the Earth Day concept at a conference in Seattle in the fall of 1969 and invited the entire nation to get involved. He later recalled, “The wire services carried the story from coast to coast. The response was electric. It took off like gangbusters. Telegrams, letters and telephone inquiries poured in from all across the country. The American people finally had a forum to express its concern about what was happening to the land, rivers, lakes and air—and they did so with spectacular exuberance.” Dennis Hayes, a young activist who had served as student president at Stanford University, was selected as Earth Day’s national coordinator, and he worked with an army of student volunteers and several staff members from Nelson’s Senate office to organize the project. According to Nelson, “Earth Day worked because of the spontaneous response at the grassroots level. We had neither the time nor resources to organize 20 million demonstrators and the thousands of schools and local communities that participated. That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself.”

On April 22, rallies were held in Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles and most other American cities, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In New York City, Mayor John Lindsay closed off a portion of Fifth Avenue to traffic for several hours and spoke at a rally in Union Square with actors Paul Newman and Ali McGraw. In Washington, D.C., thousands of people listened to speeches and performances by singer Pete Seeger and others, and Congress went into recess so its members could speak to their constituents at Earth Day events.

The first Earth Day was effective at raising awareness about environmental issues and transforming public attitudes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Public opinion polls indicate that a permanent change in national priorities followed Earth Day 1970. When polled in May 1971, 25 percent of the U.S. public declared protecting the environment to be an important goal, a 2,500 percent increase over 1969.” Earth Day kicked off the “Environmental decade with a bang,” as Senator Nelson later put it. During the 1970s, a number of important pieces of environmental legislation were passed, among them the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Another key development was the establishment in December 1970 of the Environmental Protection Agency, which was tasked with protecting human health and safeguarding the natural environment—air, water and land.

Since 1970, Earth Day celebrations have grown. In 1990, Earth Day went global, with 200 million people in over 140 nations participating, according to the Earth Day Network (EDN), a nonprofit organization that coordinates Earth Day activities. In 2000, Earth Day focused on clean energy and involved hundreds of millions of people in 184 countries and 5,000 environmental groups, according to EDN. Activities ranged from a traveling, talking drum chain in Gabon, Africa, to a gathering of hundreds of thousands of people at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Today, the Earth Day Network collaborates with more than 17,000 partners and organizations in 174 countries. According to EDN, more than 1 billion people are involved in Earth Day activities, making it “the largest secular civic event in the world.”

source: www.history.com

City-fast-Facts-Website-Thumbnail-Euless

Spotlight on Euless

Click here for a printable version of the Euless Fast Facts and view all DFW Area Fast Facts here.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the area, there’s always something new to discover about your neighborhood.  With that in mind, we created a Fast Facts sheet for cities and neighborhoods all over the DFW area. Our DFW Area fast facts have detailed real estate insights, things to do, places to shop and some of our favorite restaurants in each area.

Euless, Texas, is a welcoming suburban city located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Known for its family-friendly environment and excellent schools, Euless offers residents a peaceful, well-maintained community with easy access to major highways and nearby cities. The city features a variety of parks, recreational opportunities, and local events, making it a great place for both relaxation and active living.

POPULATION

60K

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$88K

MEDIAN AGE

36

HOUSING

41% OWN
59% RENT

AVERAGE SALES PRICE

$342K

AREA ACTIVITIES & FEATURES

• NRH20 INDOOR WATERPARK
• VILLAGES OF BEAR CREEK PARK
• TEXAS STAR GOLF COURSE
• ALLEY CATS ENTERTAINMENT
• CHISHOLM AQUATIC CENTER
• LASERWHIRLD WHIRLEYBALL
• C.R. SMITH AMERICAN AIRLINES MUSEUM
• QUARTER LOUNGE ARCADE
• BOWLERO ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
• ONSTAGE IN BEDFORD THEATER

FAVORITE LOCAL DINING & DRINK SPOTS

• SAVIANO’S • YORI • HALA CAFÉ • KORACHA THAI
RESTAURANT • OLDWEST CAFÉ • WOOD & GRAIN BISTRO •
• TWO SISTER’S RESTAURANT • EVERYTHING GERMAN •
• ZENA SUSHI • BIZZI’S BISTRO & WINE BAR •
• FRED’S DOWNTOWN PHILLY • BRONCO’S SPORTS BAR &
GRILL • GARDEN GRILLE RESTAURANT & BAR • RAMEN JOY •
• ANA’S ISLAND GRILL • FROM ACROSS THE POND •
ROSAKO’S SOUL FOOD & BBQ • PINEAPPLE GRILL •
• AHOYAMA • FAZENDA GAUCHA • MID CITIES CAFE •
• SUSHI SOHO • TEXAN KITCHEN • BAMBOO HOUSE •
• LIZZANO’S PIZZA • RAVEN’S GRILLE • CRABS PEAK •

FAVORITE LOCAL SHOPPING

• SHOPS AT NORTHEAST MALL • THE TRAVELING SISTERS •
• SHINE UNIQUE BOUTIQUE • HURST MARKETPLACE AND
CREATIVE CENTER • GIRLIGIRL BOUTIQUE • DEEP DIVE
VINTAGE • KELLY’S KLOSET •

AVERAGE DRIVE TIMES

• DOWNTOWN DALLAS | 45 MINUTES
• DALLAS LOVE FIELD AIRPORT | 40 MINUTES
• DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | 15 MINUTES
• AT&T STADIUM & GLOBE LIFE FIELD | 23 MINUTES
• DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH | 25 MINUTES

Where-to-see-Wildflowers-2025

Where To See Wildflowers in DFW

Spring is in bloom, and along with warmer temperatures and more daylight, fields of flowers—including tulips or the state’s pride, bluebonnets—are one of the season’s gifts. Whether you’re looking for a family photo op or want to teach your kids about how flowers grow, you don’t have to go far to find spectacular displays. Here are some of our favorite spots across Dallas-Fort Worth.

Print Version

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
6701 W. Parker Rd., Plano

Bluebonnet Trail Greenbelt
Preston Meadow to Alma Rd., Plano

Bluebonnet Trails
201 NW Main St., Ennis

Cedar Hill State Park ($)
1570 FM 1382, Cedar Hill

Coppell Nature Park
367 Freeport Pwky., Coppell

Dallas Arboretum ($)
8525 Garland Rd., Dallas

Heard Natural Science Museum ($)
1 Nature Pl., McKinney

Fort Worth Botanic Garden
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth

Mt. Zion Cemetery
11872 MF 423, Frisco

The Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch
2610 Valley View Ln., Farmers Branch

Turtle Creek Conservancy
3333 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas

For more seasonal resources like this, head over to our DFW Area Resources page at: DFW Area Helpful Resources | Republic Title of Texas

Guide-to-Real-Estate-Laws-and-Customs

Stay Informed with Our Comprehensive Guide to Real Estate Laws and Customs by State

Navigating real estate transactions across different states can be complex, with each state having its own set of rules and customs. To help make your transactions smoother, view our state-by-state guide, which includes vital information on closing procedures, taxes, fee splits, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this guide is an essential resource for staying informed.

You can easily access and download the PDF version of Your Guide to Real Estate Laws and Customs by State by clicking the link below. Be sure to save it for quick reference on all your future real estate deals.

Download the Guide

With commercial offices in both Uptown Dallas and Downtown Fort Worth, Republic Title’s team of eleven in-house attorneys and underwriters is committed to providing quick underwriting decisions. Our twenty-eight commercial closing teams, supported by the latest technology, are dedicated to handling any commercial closing swiftly and efficiently.

For additional tools and resources, be sure to explore our full suite of commercial resources available on our website at republictitle.com/commercial-resources

City-fast-Facts-Website-Thumbnail-Denton

Spotlight On Denton

Click here for a printable version of the Denton Fast Facts and view all DFW Area Fast Facts here.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the area, there’s always something new to discover about your neighborhood.  With that in mind, we created a Fast Facts sheet for cities and neighborhoods all over the DFW area. Our DFW Area fast facts have detailed real estate insights, things to do, places to shop and some of our favorite restaurants in each area.

Denton, Texas, is a vibrant and eclectic city located just north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Known for its lively arts scene, historic downtown square, and prestigious universities, including the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, Denton offers a unique blend of culture, music, and academic energy. The city hosts numerous music festivals and cultural events, making it a hub for creativity, while its charming neighborhoods and strong sense of community make it an inviting place to live and visit.

POPULATION

150K

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$72K

MEDIAN AGE

30

HOUSING

49% OWN
51% RENT

AVERAGE SALES PRICE

$296K

AREA ACTIVITIES & FEATURES

• COURTHOUSE ON THE SQUARE
• BAYLESS-SELBY HOUSE MUSEUM
• CLEAR CREEK NATURAL HERITAGE CENTER
• BLAGG-HUEY LIBRARY
• IRONWOOD AXE THROWING
• ANDY B’S | BOWLING
• BATTLEFIELD NERF WAR ARENA
• PATTERSON-APPLETON ARTS CENTER
• LANTANA GOLF CLUB
• BLACK MUSTANG RANCH | HORSE RIDING

FAVORITE LOCAL DINING & DRINK SPOTS

• THE GARDEN GRILLE • NORTH POINT CAFE • MI
RANCHITO • GRAFFITI PASTA • ROYAL YUM • TWO
GENTLEMEN OF VERONA • ANDY’S BAR • BARLEY &
BOARD • BIG FATTY’S FLAMING FOODS • BLIND FOX •
FREDDY’S TACOS • GROOVY CHICKEN & WAFFLES •
HANNAH’S OFF THE SQUARE • WILD CACTUS
CANTINA • COOL BEANS • EAST SIDE DENTON •
HARVEST HOUSE • HORNY TOAD CAFE • L’AMITIE • 407
BBQ • ANDAMAN THAI • BACK DOUGH • JUICY PIG •

FAVORITE LOCAL SHOPPING

• CHRYSALIS GALLERY • PATCHOULI JOE’S BOOKS • TWICE
AS NICE • THE DIME STORE • LA DI DA • LIMOLI’S • VINTAGE
LIZARD • MADNESS COMICS • VAGABOND VINTAGE •

AVERAGE DRIVE TIMES

• DOWNTOWN DALLAS | 50 MINUTES
• DALLAS LOVE FIELD AIRPORT | 45 MINUTES
• DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | 30 MINUTES
• AT&T STADIUM & GLOBE LIFE FIELD | 55 MINUTES
• DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH | 40 MINUTES

Texas-Housing-Insight-January-2025

Texas Housing Insight January 2025 Summary

All measurements are calculated using seasonally adjusted data, and percentage changes are calculated month-over-month, unless stated otherwise.

The latest housing data show conditions have shifted in favor of homebuyers as the spring homebuying gets underway. In particular, the housing inventory has been building up for some time now and reached levels not seen in a long time. The supply of new listings coming to the market has accelerated in recent months, partly because new construction has ramped up at a record pace during 2024. Economic uncertainty, persistent inflation, and global trade tensions are prompting increased market-timing and profit-taking activity by buyers and sellers.  

Home sales pace has slowed in recent months, as reflected in rising days on the market and declining inventory turnover ratio. Year-over-year (YoY) home sales were up in January, driven primarily by a more active market for higher-end homes. Market liquidity for lower-priced homes remains constrained by high mortgage rates. 

In 2024, new housing starts registered the highest annual growth in a decade, even outpacing the peak of the pandemic housing boom in 2021. That momentum has carried over into 2025. 

Home prices are rising steadily and slowly. The large inventory build-up and the record number of new constructions that are underway will continue to put downward pressure on home prices.   

In the near term, mortgage rates will remain in the mid-6 percent range with some narrow fluctuations. In the absence of meaningful improvement in mortgage rates, housing affordability will continue to remain a challenge. The Federal Reserve has taken a wait-and-see approach to future interest rate decisions. A decline in the job market and broad economic conditions will likely be necessary for an interest rate reduction to take place. 

Home Sales in January Pulled Back Under Rising Mortgage Rates

Before heading into 2025, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2024, home sales were rising quickly. But the strong upward momentum subsided as mortgage rates moved higher following the Federal Reserve’s December rate cut, amid concerns of inflation re-acceleration.  

In January 2025, statewide home sales of new and existing homes were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 343,240, up by 1.2 percent from the same period a year ago. Nationally, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported a 2 percent YoY rise in existing home sales. Statewide median home price was $328,000, up slightly from a year ago at $325,000.   

Sources: Texas Real Estate Research Center and National Association of Realtors 

Sales of Low-to-Moderate Income Homes Lagged High-End Homes  

The pullback in homes sales is more evident among lower-priced homes. In January, sales declined 2.8 percent YoY among homes priced between $250,000 and $350,000. Sales were relatively flat among homes priced below $250,000. 

In contrast, sales in the high-end market (more than $750,000) rose 9.4 percent in January, followed by a modest 3.7 percent for homes priced between $500,000 and $750,000. The uneven pace of sales growth was also evident at the tail end of 2024. During 4Q2024, the high-end market was the most active and the bottom-tier the weakest. The mid- to upper-tier homes fell in between.  

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center

Inventory at Decade-High, Home Sales at Decade-Low Pace

The supply of new listings has accelerated in recent months, expanding active inventory to levels not seen in a decade. The end of January saw 120,100 active listings, up nearly 30 percent YoY. Months’ supply climbed to about 4.5 months, the highest in a decade and above pre-pandemic levels. Prior to the pandemic, months’ supply fluctuated near 3.5 months while active listings sat around 100,000.  

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center 

A total of 46,410 new listings hit the market in January, a 17.3 percent YoY increase. In the preceding 12 months, the momentum has built up rapidly, where new listings surged at about 13 percent each month, something not seen for a long time.  

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center

Homes stayed on the market a median of 51 days in January, up eight days from the year before. Home sales pace, measured alternatively as the rate of inventory turnover, has dropped to levels not seen since 2016 and was below what normally fluctuated in a relatively balanced market. Before the pandemic, about one in five homes (20 percent) were typically sold during the month. In the last 13 months (including January 2025), the rate of inventory depletions averaged at about 15 percent.  

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center

New Housing Starts Continue to Post Strong Growth 

Since the pandemic, Texas has experienced a surge in new-home construction as the state’s robust economy, friendly business environment, job opportunities, and affordable housing costs have attracted businesses and new residents. In January, single-family home starts were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 165,050, up 10.9 percent YoY. Housing starts were down seasonally by 5.6 percent from December 2024. Texas accounts for 16.6 percent of the nation’s total new home starts. 

Sources: Texas Real Estate Research Center and U.S. Census Bureau 

After a two-year setback triggered by the Fed’s monetary tightening and interest rate hikes, new home starts came roared back in 2024. Between 2023 and 2024, they jumped 24.7 percent, the largest rise seen in a decade and outpacing what was recorded at the peak of the pandemic housing boom. As the spring homebuying season gets underway, buyers can expect an influx of new homes entering the market. 

Sources: Texas Real Estate Research Center and Dodge Construction Network

Home Prices Rising, Slowly and Steadily  

Statewide, home prices are rising slowly and steadily. In January, the TRERC Home Price Index (HPI) recorded a 1.7 percent YoY increase, slightly smaller than in the previous two months. Nationally, the average home price appreciation captured by the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller HPI was at a faster rate of 3.9 percent. The Case-Shiller 20-City Composite HPI measures home price trends in the country’s largest and most densely populated cities (including Dallas, the only Texas city in the index), so it’s no surprise that the index’s annual home price appreciation rate typically outpaces Texas’ statewide rate. TRERC’s HPI is based on all geographic transactions, rural or urban, in the state of Texas.  

 

Sources: Texas Real Estate Research Center and FRED Economic Data

Metro Housing Benchmarks 

January 2025 Homes Sales, Ordered by Year-Over-Year Change    

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center 

January 2025 Inventory Velocity, Ordered by Year-Over-Year Change 

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center 

New Construction Growth 2015-24, Ordered by One-Year Growth 

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center 

Home Price Appreciation for Select MSA and MSA Divisions  

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center 

Source for article: Texas Housing Insight | January 2025 | Texas Real Estate Research Center By Yanling Mayer, Joshua Roberson, and Junqing Wu

Al-Fresco-Dining-2025

Best Patios for Al Fresco Dining in DFW

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to start planning for some al fresco dining in the beautiful outdoor spaces that Dallas-Fort Worth has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot for a date night or a place to catch up with friends over brunch, there are plenty of patios to choose from. Here are some of the best patios for al fresco dining in DFW this Spring.

One of the most picturesque patios in DFW can be found at Paradiso in the Bishop Arts District in Dallas. The vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage create a stunning backdrop to enjoy brunch and a signature cocktail. The patio is also pet-friendly, so you can bring along your furry friend to enjoy the warm weather too.

Take a look at our full list of favorites below!

Birdie’s Eastside| @birdieseastside

Hillstone| @hillstonedallas

Honor Bar| @honorbardallas

il Bracco| @ilbraccorestaurant

Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano| @javiersgourmetmexicano

José| @joseonlovers

Paradiso| @paradisodallas

Smoky Rose| @dallassmokyrose

DiDi’s Downtown| @didisdowntown

Eight 11 Place| @eight11place

J. Theodore| @jtheodorefrisco

Kelly’s Craft Tavern| @kellyscrafttavern

Ebb & Flow| @ebbandflowtx

Fairview Farmers| @fairviewfarmers

Sugarbacon| @sugarbaconproperkitchen

The Yard| @theyardmckinneytx

Cafe Gecko| @cafegeckorichardson

Lockwood Distilling| @lockwooddistillingco

Old 75 Beer Garden| @old75beergarden

The Fifth| @thefifthrichardson

Black Hawk Brewery| @blackhawkbrewery

Gloria’s| @gloriaslatincuisine

Mi Chante| @michanteprospertx

Jane| @janesouthlake

Muchacho| @muchachotexmex

Postino| @postinowinecafe

Taverna Rossa| @tavernarossasouthlake

The Shacks at Austin Ranch| @theshacksaustinranch

Truck Yard| @truckyardthecolony

Print Version